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8 Must See in Venice

Venice is the enchanted crown of Nothern Italy. Whoever visits here is immediately mesmerized by the atmosphere of the island. The bridges, churches, blind streets, the canals, gondolas give a unique soul to this town. Although Venice does look like a small island, every neighborhood has something special to offer. The crucial question is what you must see in Venice? Well, there are many things to visit or see in Venice but we narrowed it down for you! Here are the 8 must see in Venice, especially if you have a limited time on the island.

The whole Venice lagoon is actually much bigger than you know, the lagoon is a house of 118 islands. Usually, when it is referred as Venice, people think about the one main island, which is known as cento storico – the historical center of Venice. The island was an always a prominent figure in the history when it was known as a capital of the Republic of Venice. Also being an important factor of navy culture, international relations both economically and strategically. Now, the central island still welcomes many people around the world with its magical beauty.

1.PIAZZA SAN MARCO

If there is only one place you can visit while you are in Venice, that should be Piazza San Marco. The main square of the island is the greatest thing you can see on the island. Not actually of the island but maybe one the most known and famous Italian square as well. Piazza San Marco is the home for Doge’s Palace, Basilica di San Marco, Torre dell’Orologio, Campanile di San Marco and also the Correr Museum. All these attractions can be visited if you are in Piazza San Marco.

The area of the square is enormous, both literally and historically. When you think about the history of Venice, this is the place where it witnessed the most important steps. Also architecturally, it definitely is a must see as the details are beyond the worlds. If you want to get lost in this beautiful square with its history, details, ambiance, design, and architecture; go on and pack your bag!

2. PALAZZO DUCALE

Palazzo Ducale is known as Doge’s Palace in English. The building is right behind the Basilica di San Marco and next to Piazza San Marco, facing the sea. The Doge’s Palace was the most important place in Venice for politics and government. It was served both as a residence for Doge himself and also a gathering place for political meetings. Inside the building, there are several different rooms for varying occasions: for political meetings, for ambassadors, for small cabinets, for international discussions and many others. It was basically a multifunctional residence for the Doge. The building is built in a Gothic style starting in 1340 but you can still see Byzantic details along with oriental touches. The view from the upper floors is fantastic as well. You can see Guidecca Island from there too.

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3. LA BIENNALE DI VENEZIA

La Biennale di Venezia is a festival, and now a permanent place, where the first international art exhibition was held. Nowadays, there are festivals for many different branches of arts including cinema, music, dance, theatre, film and also architecture. The first art festival was in 1895 and it has been going strong since then! The events take place throughout the whole year but the length depends on the theme and the category. All festivals are international and quite popular so you might run into celebrities too! Make sure you book a ticket for admission for when you would like to visit and don’t forget to stop by their amazing biennale garden overlooking the sea!

4. CAFE FLORIAN

Caffe Florian is the oldest coffee house not only in Venice but also in Europe, dating back to 1720. The cafe itself is located right in the middle of Piazza San Marco. It was actually a very popular place among women as well and at that time was the only café they could be allowed in – ouch! But precisely why Casanova used to come to Café Florian frequently. Thankfully, the situation has changed for the better and the classic and elegant style of the café remains. Now it’s known as one of the most iconic places in Venice. The ambiance here is very sophisticated, the service is impeccable – uniforms, table service, and cutlery. You can sit down outside, watch the square and basilica while enjoying a cup of coffee or maybe if you’re feeling fancy, you could order a Bellini for the occasion.

5. CARNEVALE DI VENEZIA

When you get off at the Santa Lucia train station in Venice, you will start seeing the famous Venetian masks right from the moment you reach the stairs. The masks are another prominent figure in Venetian history. Carnevale di Venezia is the biggest and probably the oldest festival in Venice, famous with the most beautiful mask and costume competitions. If you happened to schedule your trip according to the carnival time, the island will be full of people wearing vintage costumes and masks! The carnival is an annual event and this year it will be held between February 15th and March 6th. The mask was a big part of the high society in old Venice, wherein 17th-century Doge banned wearing masks except for the Carnevale and the official events. Therefore the habit of wearing the mask daily turned into another tradition in the carnival. If you are going to visit around this big event, don’t forget to bring your own mask or a costume. Who knows, maybe you might even win the competition!

6. TEATRO LA FENICE

Right next to Chiesa di San Fantin and not very far away from Piazza San Marco, you will see La Fenice Theather. This building was very prestigious back in the day for opera, theatre, ballet, symphony, and classical concerts right in the very heart of Venice. Actually, it still is! There are different halls including the theatre hall, Apollonian Halls, Foyer, and Malibran Hal. For the events and shows, make sure you make the booking as it is very popular both among locals and travelers. If you want you can also join the moonlight tour of opera where you will be guided around after the shows – including cocktails but there is also a day tour as well. Teatro La Fenice is where you will feel like you are traveling back in time, it is a piece of the history of old Venice in this amazing building.

7. A REAL BACARO

What to eat in Venice? This is a question many people ask even before stepping onto the island. The best answer would be going to a bacaro. A bacaro is a wine bar, in Venetian dialect. It is a local tradition to visit a bacaro for a happy hour drink and eat some finger foods along with it. So next time you’re in Venice, you have to go one – like Cantina Do Mori. Best way to enjoy the food in Venice is to eat like a local! Make sure you grab a Prosecco and order a bunch of snacks – cicchetti- with them. Bacari are the heart and soul of the Venetian eating and drinking culture and certainly should be a part of your Venice tour. You will not regret drinking great wines and eating delicious food!

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8. GRAND CANAL

Ah, the Venetian canals! Is there anything more romantic than a canal with a gondola carrying a couple? The Grand Canal is what makes Venice the floating city – it the essence of this magical island. The canal will lead you towards to the best attractions of the area as well. The famous bridge of the island is also settled on the Grand Canal itself – Ponte di Rialto. The bridges are the performers of the big scene of the canal, they are beautiful structures and literally everywhere! You can grab an ice cream from one of the shops or a drink from a local bar to enjoy the amazing view of the canal. Just relax, wander around this delightful path along the water. All the views are impeccable from here, well you are in Venice after all!